Sexual assaults and violent rages...Inside the dark world of Buddhist teacher Sogyal

[FaithMoon]

It is not just those directly involved who are hurt. I was once chatting with a sincere young man who was a follower of Seung Sahn and I off handedly referenced his sexual behavior with students and the young man was really stunned and hurt; it was so at odds with his teacher's public image.

What parishioners can do when considering joining a congregation/sangha is to ask up front if there is a teacher's code of conduct and if there is a process for reviewing breaches of conduct.

My view is that devotion and desire can be used in spiritual training but it is sort of like the nuclear option. There are so many ways it can go wrong.

BTW it is not just sex and violence that can be and often are problems, but also substance abuse and financial impropriety. I heard about a teacher who died recently from opioid overdose. With the current epidemic, I doubt this will be the last.

Faithmoon
st

[Jundo]

What parishioners can do when considering joining a congregation/sangha is to ask up front if there is a teacher's code of conduct and if there is a process for reviewing breaches of conduct.

Hi Faithmoon.

An excellent suggestion.

Just for the record, here is ours. However, as far as I know, it has never been put to the test. I think the content is standard, as it is modeled on the policies and procedures of several noted Sanghas.

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?7607-Treeleaf-Ethics-Committee-%28-Complaint-Box-%29

Are the events surrounding Maezumi Roshi and his students openly discussed with newer folks at ZCLA, in your experience?

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH

[FaithMoon]

Are the events surrounding Maezumi Roshi and his students openly discussed with newer folks at ZCLA, in your experience?

I have sat at various (female led) White Plum centers over the years and Maezumi's conduct has always been discussed openly.

If anyone is wondering what Jundo is referring to, the book What Is Buddhist Enlightenment? by Dale S. Wright has a pretty full accounting in chapter 6.

Faithmoon
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[Kyonin]

Thank you for this post, Jundo.

I have always wondered how is it that people suspend their reason when in the presence of a supposedly enlightened master that clearly is no being ethical. I know they are humans too, but for some reason they are so magnetic and charismatic that seems almost volitional how people just bow to them.

In my opinion we must cherish our teaches, respect them and listen to them. But there are some aspects of basic human dignity that no one, not even a master, should ever trespass.

I will read the article again and will watch the documentary.

Very interesting and lots of learning.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH